Westchester senator loses election, stays on Senate payroll

Sen. Terrence Murphy, R-Yorktown, Westchester County, explains why he voted against a wide-ranging bill that would extend mayoral control of New York City schools, extend local tax rates and rename the Tappan Zee Bridge. Video: NYS Senate
Jon Campbell / Albany Bureau

ALBANY – Former state Sen. Terrence Murphy lost at the ballot box in November, but he's staying on the Senate's payroll.

Murphy, a Westchester Republican, picked up a $40,000-a-year, part-time job as Senate Republicans' regional director for the Hudson Valley on Jan. 1, a day after ending his final term as senator, according to state payroll documents.

The former lawmaker will also receive health benefits as part of his new gig, which will require him to work 30 hours a week, according to Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif.

Reif said Murphy, a Yorktown resident, will advise his former Republican colleagues on issues in his home region.

"Senator Murphy is a small-businessman and former elected official who is advising Senate Republicans on issues important to the Hudson Valley, of which he is acutely aware," said Reif, who said Murphy has exceeded his minimum hours so far.

Hire comes as Senate GOP cuts staff

State Sen. Terrence Murphy(Photo: Mark Lungariello/The Journal News)

Reached on his cellphone Thursday, Murphy, a chiropractor, said he was in a meeting and would call back in 45 minutes. After he didn't call back, a subsequent call went to his voicemail, which was full.

Murphy's hiring comes at a time when Senate Republicans will soon have to shed staff. The conference has until Feb. 21 to pare back their central staffing costs after losing the Senate majority to Democrats in November.

The former's senator staff was eligible to stay on the payroll through Thursday.